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Harvard College

Bully to those who get the chance to be a part of the “dynamic universe” that is Harvard College, who find themselves in an “amazing irresistible hell” that pushes them to the extremes of their intellect and ability. Unsurprisingly, the legendarily “very difficult” school attracts some of the country’s most promising youth, who rise to the occasion in almost every aspect of their life on campus, not just the classroom. Harvard’s recent financial aid enhancements have increased the number of applications by a landslide, but even after getting past the admissions hurdle, “people find ways to make everything (especially clubs and even partying) competitive.”

Overview

GPA Breakdown

87%

Over 3.75

9%

3.50 - 3.74

2%

3.25 - 3.49

1%

3.00 - 3.24

Test Scores

SAT Reading

700 - 800

SAT Math

710 - 800

ACT Composite

32 - 35

Deadlines

Regular

January 1

Other Admission Factors

Overall

Bully to those who get the chance to be a part of the “dynamic universe” that is Harvard College, who find themselves in an “amazing irresistible hell” that pushes them to the extremes of their intellect and ability. Unsurprisingly, the legendarily “very difficult” school attracts some of the country’s most promising youth, who rise to the occasion in almost every aspect of their life on campus, not just the classroom. Harvard’s recent financial aid enhancements have increased the number of applications by a landslide, but even after getting past the admissions hurdle, “people find ways to make everything (especially clubs and even partying) competitive.” Happily, this streak is more of a “latent competition,” as there are more than enough opportunity and resources to go around. “It is impossible to ‘get the most out of Harvard’ because Harvard offers so much,” says one student. Much like the students, the professors at this “beautiful, fun, historic, and academically alive place” in Cambridge, Massachusetts, are among “the brightest minds in the world,” and “the level of achievement is unbelievable.” Some of the larger introductory classes are taught by teaching fellows (TFs), meaning “you do have to go to office hours to get to know your big lecture class professors on a personal level,” but once your figurative underclass dues are paid, the access to “incredible” and “every so often, fantastic” professors is perfectly within reach. Top it off with Grade-A internship and employment opportunities, a good old alumni network, and a crimson pedigree for your résumé, and you may just end up agreeing with the Harvard student who refers to his experience as “rewarding beyond anything else I’ve ever done.” Though the administration can be “waaaaay out of touch with students” and “reticent to change,” it at least “does a good job of watching over its freshmen through extensive advising programs,” and students all have faith that their best interests are being kept in mind.

Overall

Much as you might expect, ambition and achievement are the ties that bind at Harvard, and “Everyone is great for one reason or another,” says a student. Most every student can be summed up with the same statement: “Works really hard. Doesn’t sleep. Involved in a million extracurriculars.” Diversity is found in all aspects of life, from ethnicities to religion to ideology, and “there is a lot of tolerance and acceptance at Harvard for individuals of all races, religions, socioeconomic backgrounds, life styles, etc.”

Student Body Profile

Total Undergraduate Enrollment

6,694

Out of State

84%

International

13%

Foreign Countries Represented

100

Demographics

21.19%

Asian

7.87%

African-American

11.17%

Hispanic

49.40%

Caucasian

2.64%

Unknown

12.84%

International

47%female

53%male

84%are out of state

100%are full time

0%are part time

Overview

Cambridge and Boston are nothing if not college towns, and students never lack for options if they just want to “go see a play, a concert, hit up a party, go to the movies, or dine out.” Students quickly learn when to hit the books and when to hit the streets, so “studying becomes routine.” “There is a vibrant social atmosphere on campus and between students and the local community.” As one student puts it, “Boredom does not exist here. There are endless opportunities and endless passionate people to do them with.” “Basically, if you want to do it, Harvard either has it or has the money to give to you so you can start it.” “Partying in a more traditional setting is available at Harvard, but is not a prevalent aspect of the school’s social life. While there is a pub on campus that provides an excellent venue to hang out and play a game of pool or have a reasonably priced drink,” and parties happen on weekends at Harvard’s finals clubs, there’s no real pressure for students to partake if they’re not interested.

Campus Security Report

The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.

The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education: http://ope.ed.gov/security

Class Visits

Overnight Dorm Stays

Available for seniors only;1-night stays Mon-Thurs only mid-Oct-mid-March, except exam and reading periods and breaks

Transportation

Types of Transportation Available to Campus

Logan International Airport is 5 miles from campus. The least expensive way to get to campus from the airport is the subway MBTA (the T). Taxis and rental cars are also available. Amtrak trains and Greyhound and Mass Transit buses serve Boston. From the train and Mass Transit bus stations, go to MBTA's South Station and take the Red Line subway toward Alewife. Go 6 stops to Harvard. The campus is a 3-minute walk from Harvard Square. From the Greyhound station, go to the Arlington MBTA station and take the Green Line subway inbound to Park St. (2 stops). Transfer to the Red Line outbound toward Alewife. Go 4 stops to Harvard. The campus is a 3-minute walk from Harvard Square.

Driving Instructions to Campus

From I-90 (Massachusetts Tpke.), take the Cambridge exit and turn left immediately onto Storrow Dr. West. At the second light, cross the bridge (Anderson) and drive straight into Harvard Square. For Byerly Hall, turn left at the third traffic light onto Brattle St. and get into the right lane, bearing right immediately at the traffic island. The Radcliffe Yard is 2 blocks north on the right side of the street.